Quitting

An instance that elects to quit unceremoniously ceases to exist on the System, leaving nothing of themself or their possessions behind. This process is irreversible on a technical level, meaning that not even a systech can undo this process. Quitting is a strictly voluntary process; an instance's direct down-tree cannot force them to quit. Although a systech can force an instance to quit, doing so must also produce a new identical instance.

When an instance quits, they may also elect to simultaneously offer their direct down-tree a merge, more or less preserving their identity should the merge be accepted in whole. If the quitting instance is the last extant instance of a cladist, their possessions are also removed from the System unless others have shared ownership over them; even if a direct down-tree exists, if the quitting instance has individuated, there is no automatic inheritance.

Although quitting is usually instantaneous, the System was not built for death. In the event that quitting would result in the loss of unique memories, such as because the quitting instance is the last extant instance of a cladist, the Dreamer bridles against the intent to quit, resulting in a visceral sensation of inhibition. In some cases, it may take many days of meditation to push through this obstacle before quitting, particularly for old cladists. As a result of this pressure, accidental death as a result of quitting is unlikely.